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From the ground up: Smart Builders is excited to announce our latest Arlington Heights project! Framing, also known as “rough carpentry,” is where we first begin to see the custom home take shape. This two-story home will be approximately 3500 square feet. … Continue reading →

The roofing professionals at Smart Roofing, Inc. recently installed this beautiful Western Red Cedar Tapersawn Shake roof in Lake Forest. Western Red Cedar Tapersawn Shakes are sawn on both sides giving it a look similar to a sawn shingle but … Continue reading →

As a deep freeze takes hold of the Chicago area (a bit early this year), here are some tips to avoid damage to your home from frozen pipes – and what to do if you are too late. Make sure … Continue reading →

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Smart Builders is pleased to share the progress of our custom home project in Lake Forest. As we’ve shown in the past, construction of this Lake Forest custom home is progressing from rough finishes to intricate, one-of-a-kind details. This month, … Continue reading →

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Smart Builders is pleased to share the progress of our custom home project in Lake Forest. Construction of this Lake Forest custom home is progressing from rough finishes to intricate, one-of-a-kind details. Designed by H. Gary Frank Architects, these pictures … Continue reading →

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You’re already drinking hot cocoa and pumpkin spice lattes, but is your home prepared for the onset of cold weather? Use this checklist of fall home maintenance tips to ensure that your home is as ready as you are … Continue reading →

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The roofing professionals at Smart Roofing, Inc. are pleased to enhance a home in St. Charles with the GAF Glenwood®Lifetime Designer Shingles from the GAF Ultra-Premium Collection. Read more here: http://www.smartroofers.com/smart-roofing-inc-coming-soon-to-st-charles-gaf-glenwoodlifetime-designer-shingles/

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Tile is one of the best materials for bathroom design because it’s resistant to moisture and easy to maintain. However, even in the world of tile, some choices are better suited for bathrooms than others. Your bathroom floor has to … Continue reading →

If you love the distinct and attractive look of roof tiles, then you are among a growing number of homeowners who pick tiles as the roofing material of choice. While initially tile roofs can be a costly investment, especially if … Continue reading →

Metals have always been an important element in home décor; not only because of that special shine it adds to the room, but also for the added touch of glamour and distinction. Metals are also used frequently because of its … Continue reading →

Smart Builders and Abruzzo Kitchen & Bath are featured in Wood-Mode’s Perspective, Traditional Design for the 21st Century. The Perspective was designed with the premise of luxury and American tradition in mind, giving readers an insider’s look into the changing … Continue reading →

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Smart Builders is pleased to share the progress of our custom home project in Lake Forest. Construction of this Lake Forest custom home is moving up to the second floor. These pictures show the floor joists being installed for the … Continue reading →

The Foundation A proper foundation does more than just hold a house above ground. It also keeps out moisture, insulates against the cold, and resists movement of the earth around it. Oh, and one more thing: It should last forever. … Continue reading →

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Smart Builders is pleased to share the progress of our custom home project in Lake Forest. So far, you’ve seen deconstruction, demolition, and foundation walls… now we’re installing the structural steel! Contact Smart Builders if you are considering building a … Continue reading →

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“If you haven’t heard about it yet, you will; and it’s definitely worth the trip! It’s a spectacular space.” Richard Bondarowicz, Principal, Smart Builders, commenting on a recent visit to RH Chicago, The Gallery at the Three Arts Club. Last week … Continue reading →

per·go·la – “A pergola is an outdoor structure consisting of a roofing grid of beams and rafters. This roofing grid may be left open or covered so as to create an area sheltered from the elements. Pergolas may be freestanding or … Continue reading →

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Stamped concrete can be a great alternative to using other materials to achieve a sophisticated look. Commonly used for patios, sidewalks, and driveways, stamped concrete can look like brick, cobblestone, or slate. Contact Smart Builders if you are considering building … Continue reading →

Smart Builders is pleased to share the progress of our custom home project in Lake Forest. You’ve seen the deconstruction and the demolition… now we’re getting ready for the foundation walls! Contact Smart Builders if you are considering building a new … Continue reading →

In our continuation of the series of Steps To Building A New Home, this week: Accept the inevitable. You’ve made the plans, have the permits, and secured the loan; now the only thing left to do is build your house. … Continue reading →

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FROM ANOTHER SATISFIED CUSTOMER… 09-08-15 Smart Group, I wanted to thank you for the insurance work you did on my house this summer. Pete, thank you for seeing the big picture on what I really needed done and introducing me … Continue reading →

In our continuation of the series of Steps To Building A New Home, this week: Plan, plan and plan some more. Every large-scale construction project has this one thing in common. The owner, whether a private developer, government agency or … Continue reading →

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What is Deconstruction? Deconstruction is an environmentally-friendly alternative to full demolition of a home or building. Trained deconstruction crews carefully deconstruct the building to salvage as many of the reusable materials as possible, diverting them from local landfills. Salvaged materials … Continue reading →

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In our continuation of the series of Steps To Building A New Home, this week: Assemble a team. While you might think you can go it alone, assembling a team of tried and true professionals is the better approach. An … Continue reading →

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In our continuation of the series of Steps To Building A New Home, this week: Find some land (or a neglected older house). Where do you want to be? How do you want to live? What are you looking for? … Continue reading →

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In our continuation of the series of Steps To Building A New Home, this week we’ll discuss Establishing A Budget. While a budget should be in any goal statement, it’s such a key piece of the project that it’s included here … Continue reading →

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Building a new home is a journey of discovering who you are, what you want, how you want to live and where you want to be. It’s more than building “3 bedrooms and 3-1/2 bathrooms.” It’s much more than just … Continue reading →

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